13-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer donates all her earnings to buy books for poor kids

October 23, 2017

So what did you do when you were 13 years old? Well mostly play around outside, chat with friends, eat tons of home cooked food, and relax right! And what did you do with your pocket money? May have bought favourite chocolates, games or chilled out with friends. But this 13-year-old Bharatnatyam prodigy Sairi Rahangdale spends all her earnings from dance performances to provide books and uniforms to poor children living in her vicinity.

Sairi Rahangdale, a girl from Raipur believes that dance is not just a medium for fame and money, but it is about working towards the betterment of the poor and underprivileged. Sairi, showcased her inborn love for dance at a very young age of four when she matched her steps to the beat of a music accurately. It was at a school function when Sairi’s parents, Prakash and Meeta Rahangdale realised her inclination towards classical dance.

Over the years this little champ has performed in more than 200 programmes across India. She has bagged many awards including the prestigious Kalashree Award, Rohilkand Award, Panchratna Award and Nrityashree Award.

It’s not just her dancing which we all should take a note of but her willingness to help the needy as she says: “I am lucky to have the opportunities and resources to nurture my talent. When I see underprivileged kids who don’t have the same, it makes me want to help them in whichever way I can. It makes me very happy to share my things with those who really need it. However, I want to do more for the needy. I aspire to be a doctor and wish to open a hospital that helps them. I also wish to open an old age home for abandoned elderly where they can live a life of dignity.”

Apart from helping the needy, Sairi often visits old age homes. She also tells her parents not to spend any money on fireworks during festivals and instead feed the poor street children. In all her little initiatives her proud parents support her wholeheartedly. She also has given a message to children by saying: “We are the future of this country. If we have more than enough to fulfill our needs, its our responsibility to share them with those who aren’t as lucky. So please go out and do whatever you can for those who need our support. Sometimes, a little help is all they need to change their lives.”